Robert Hooke (1635-1703) was a man of extraordinary and diverse talents. His interest in microscopy led him to coin the fundamental biological term “cell”, while his mechanical studies led to his law of elasticity. As an architect, he was chief assistant to Christopher Wren, and worked with him rebuilding London after the great fire. Despite his achievements, Hooke was roundly considered to be a deeply dislikeable and intellectually jealous man.